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Picture of Margaret Galka

Margaret Galka

Associate
mgalka@collinslaw.com
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Phone: (630) 527-1784 Ext: 229
Fax: (630) 527-1193

1770 Park St #200
Naperville, Illinois 60563

Margaret Galka joined the Collins Law Firm in 2018 as an associate attorney. Margaret is a dedicated advocate for environmental justice, and a cleaner, safer world. She focuses her practice on environmental mass tort, civil rights and other complex litigation. 

Currently, Margaret is litigating a number of cases, including advocating on behalf of more than 750 individuals who have developed cancer and adverse reproductive health impacts from chronic exposure to ethylene oxide emitted by a local device sterilizer. In those cases, Margaret works closely with firm partners Shawn Collins, Norman Berger and Edward Manzke, and is actively involved in all aspects of discovery; successfully opposing motions to motions to dismiss; working closely with CLF’s clients; and all other phases of case development. Margaret was also integral to CLF’s success in common law nuisance and negligence actions brought on behalf of more than 100 families whose properties and health was threatened by volatile carcinogenic chemicals in their groundwater and home air.

Margaret graduated Magna Cum Laude from Vermont Law School, one of the nation’s top environmental law school, where she concentrated on environmental and energy law. While attending law school, Margaret worked as a clinician in the Environment and Natural Resources Law Clinic and clerked for a prominent law firm in Burlington, Vermont. Margaret also served as a Co-Chair of the Women's Law Group and as an editor of the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law.

Prior to law school, Margaret graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and political science.

Education

J.D., Vermont Law School, 2018
Graduated Magna cum Laude

B.A., University of Vermont, 2014
Major: Political Science
Major: Environmental Studies

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice Illinois, 2018
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 2019
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 2020
Past Employment Positions
  • Vermont Law School Environment and Natural Resources Law Clinic, Student-Clinician
  • Dunkiel Saunders Elliot Raubvogel & Hand, Law Clerk
Client Reviews
★★★★★
Shawn Collins is a very talented lawyer, as are all the attorneys on his team. I've known and worked with Shawn for more that 30 years. Not only is he a top notch technical litigator but his communication skills are second to none. If anyone I know is ever in need of an attorney, Shawn is my very first recommendation. He gives very solid advice that goes beyond the law. He is someone you can trust to tell you the truth so you are not lead astray in the complex legal world. You really can't find a better advocate. E.M.
★★★★★
We were incredibly satisfied with our experience with The Collins Law Firm. We worked closely with Ed Manzke and found that he had a personal touch and truly got to know us in addition to being knowledgeable and effective in his field. The caring and individual attitude helped us tremendously throughout the entire process and we always felt like our case was in safe hands. We would highly recommend The Collins Law Firm for both its stellar work and dedicated employees. M.A.
★★★★★
My father recommended The Collins Law Firm to me after watching Shawn Collins and Ed Manzke at trial representing Lisle residents against Lockformer. For years, he told us courtroom tales about Shawn and Ed, citing their incredible skill as trial lawyers and how they put the huge Lockformer legal team to shame. So when my son was the victim of a wrongful death, they were my first and only choice. I can't say enough to truly express how grateful I am to The Collin's Law Firm for all that they did for me and my family. This amazing team advocated for me in my darkest moments, surpassing my expectations in every way. I will be forever grateful to Shawn and Ed. K.D.
★★★★★
I have worked with Rob, Shawn and The Collins Law Firm team in connection with both complex business transactions and litigation over the past several years. Shawn is far and away the best business litigation attorney I have worked with. Rob has been our lead attorney on M&A and corporate restructures, and he has delivered each time, and on time. I would highly recommend Rob to get the deal done! W.D.
★★★★★
Rob has been our out-side General Counsel for ten years. As a business with a global presence, it is important that we have the very best legal representation. Rob and the team have guided us through litigation battles, negotiating and drafting our important business contracts, and advising us in our business strategies. He has a great team of lawyers working with him. M.F.